Wheelchair back mounting system

Abstract

A system for attaching a wheelchair back to wheelchair posts comprising a bracket and interchangeable attachment hardware secured to the bracket. In one aspect the bracket can be adjusted vertically relative to the wheelchair back and can be adjusted on a horizontal path. In one aspect, the angular orientation of the attachment hardware can be adjusted to adjust the angular position of the wheelchair back relative to the wheelchair seat and posts. In one aspect the attachment hardware is represented by a hanger assembly. In one aspect the attachment hardware is represented by an expansion plug assembly for insertion into the open tubular end of a wheelchair post.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 891,482 filed Oct. 16, 2013 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 947,724 filed Mar. 4, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND ART[0002]The disclosure relates generally to mounting assemblies to lo secure wheelchair back supports to the canes or posts of wheelchairs. In one aspect, the mounting assembly is a modular system that can accommodate different types of attachment hardware. One aspect includes a triangle bracket slidingly attached to the wheelchair back. Various types of attachment hardware for attaching the back to the wheelchair posts are mounted to the bracket.[0003]Wheelchairs generally comprise a frame with surface engaging wheels, a seating surface and a back support. The frame usually is made from tubular steel or the like. The seat and back can be a more pliant or flexible material such as vinyl or canvas for example. The fram...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a mounting hardware system for adjusting the angle of a wheelchair back relative to its posts. The system includes a rotatable hanger bracket and a triangular bracket, with complementary texturing on their surfaces to secure the back in a desired position. The bracket can be rotated to change the angle, and the bolt securing the bracket can adjust the vertical, horizontal, and angular position of the back. This makes it easier to adjust the wheelchair's seating and comfort for different users.

Problems solved by technology

In many cases the original back support does not provide sufficient or appropriate support, or is not positioned in between the wheel chair posts to meet the seated user's specific physical needs or tastes.

Known back rests and mounting assemblies for back rests are complex and do not always allow for simple adjustment of the back rest, for example, without a tool.

They generally include a back and do not provide for a mounting assembly that can be used to mount different back supports between the wheel chair posts.

Images